Erin’s Comments (group member since Jan 28, 2017)

Erin’s comments from the Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie group.

Eldon wrote: "Carole wrote: "Thanks Erin, you make me feel so special. ;)

Okay, Giselle- regarding voting down- I always checked Amazon first for the neg review- I only look at reviews on Goodreads after Amazon..."

co-sign

Bernard wrote: "Let's look at the other side of the coin. I got a 5 star review and couldn't figure out the reasons why with the comments written!!!"

This is hilarious! :O Blind love ha ha.

Ben wrote: "Bad reviews suck!!! Good reviews are good, and reviews from people that read one page or missed the point entirely suck the hardest. Just develop a thick skin and learn from any feedback you get!"

You're right. The best review I've gotten so far was a four star one where I felt like the reader really got the book and her criticism was one that I actually agreed with because I had the same thought about the story. A lot of the constructive criticism I received has actually made writing book two somewhat easier as far as what readers respond to. Thank you for the great advice, Ben!

Nat wrote: "*hugs* It's so frustrating! Sorry.

A friend of mine got a 1* review that just said "waste of time".... how is this HELPFUL for anyone? Trolls."

That is so unfair :( I've only given a one star review once in my entire review lifetime. I detailed why in about 11 or so paragraphs and believe me, that book earned every point in that one star lol. *Hugs*

Eldon wrote: "Erin wrote: "I know negative reviews are part of the deal when you open yourself up to the public. I have a lot of respect for the process and staunchly defend reviewers' rights but ugh I'm so frus..."

IKR?! Lol, I totes feel better with other authors weighing in on this. In particular, thank you, Eldon, for zeroing in on exactly what was bugging me. Shenanigans, smh. *Hugs*

Erica wrote: "From a readers standpoint, when she said she doesn't personally go for this type of romance, the weight I would put on that review significantly decreased. Sorry that you had a rough review, but co..."

Omg, you make a point I completely overlooked! Thank you :)

Carole I am so glad you stopped in to comment. You definitely know about the whole rollercoaster effect of reviews and I had my fingers crossed that you would weigh in. You've got us spoiled lol.

Gisele wrote: "*hugs* Just remind yourself that A) reviews are for other readers, and not everyone will like your stuff. B) Even people who didn't read your book, get a say. C) all reviews are good reviews. Even ..."

You're so right, especially the part about everyone getting a say. But this was in a review round and I expected a little more integrity from another author. Don't get me wrong, I don't care a fig that my book wasn't her cup of tea. I care that she didn't read it. Still, I'm fortunate enough to have 34 reviews and now that I've vented I will go back to chillin' on the positivity step lol. Thank you Gisele!!!

Carole wrote: "Gisele, you are so right about everything you said. I used to get crazy over a negative review. It will get buried by all the people who love your book-

I looked for it, Erin to vote down and can'..."

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I know negative reviews are part of the deal when you open yourself up to the public. I have a lot of respect for the process and staunchly defend reviewers' rights but ugh I'm so frustrated right now! My latest review is suspect to me because 1. nothing in the review is info that couldn't have been taken from the blurb and 2. some of the reviewer's assertions were factually incorrect. Like, literally, not even from my story. I seriously think she didn't read it. *sigh* I know, I know, these things come with the territory but it sure feels good to vent :)

Nicole wrote: "That's awesome! Way to go @Erin!"

Thank youuuu :) :) Now I'm a tad nervous about moving on to my next couple, Josh and Carly, who are so different lol.

My novella is not unique but it is rare these days: an interracial romance with a heroine who doesn't need to be rescued by the powerful, brooding white guy. No baby mama drama, no thugs or gangsters, no thank you lol. Of course all of the aspects of romance that I mentioned have broad appeal and I refuse to knock it. I'm not a genre snob - my books aren't better, just different and so far people find the difference refreshing. By the way, a little birdie told me that one of our illustrious members is about to launch a romance novella that fits neatly into the type of novella I write/adore. Needless to say, I can't wait!! Smart. sexy heroines make my day and if they are also women of color then stick a fork in me - I'm done!!

Amanda wrote: "I love hearing that! That's awesome, Erin!"

Thank you Amanda :) Hoppy Easter!!

Ereader News Today

Annabelle wrote: "It used to be easy to get them to accept you. Actually, in 2010 or so, sometimes they'd just volunteer to advertise your book for free, I heard. It's gotten progressively more difficult, and lately..."

Indie Marie Silk"s bb promo runs this month. I'm anxious to hear her feedback.

Congrats on even getting them to accept you - wow!! I think with so many free and bargain sites out there it's harder to get through the clutter. I don't know but I'd love to know more.

Aislinn wrote: "Alex wrote: "I don't think you can say that until you reach Anne McCaffrey or Nora Roberts level, both put out over 100 books, lol.
Right now you're just productive and making good use of your time..."

Ha ha just you wait. One day I'll catch up to Aislinn!

Anna Faversham wrote: "Great encouragement - as you say, it makes it all worthwhile."

Yes! I even dusted off my blog, lol.

Anna wrote: "That's great news, Erin! :D Thanks for sharing. It's the best feeling when readers enjoy the books."

It really is - and has nothing to do with sales. Not a coincidence!

Aislinn wrote: "Yay, that's so validating! Great news."

Thank you :) Now if I could get three books under my belt like you ;)